5 Unmissable sailing destinations around the Mediterranean
Can you see yourself island hopping through azure waters, swimming in hidden coves, anchoring outside a remote restaurant, or popping into a marina for drinks and partying at a beach club ashore?
Here are 5 of the Best Sailing Destinations in the Meditteranian (and what makes each one unique) for you to add to your sailing bucket list.
Whether you're chasing adventure, culture, parties, or pure relaxation, we’ve got dream sailing destinations for every type of sailor… whether you’re looking for hidden coves or party ports!
1. The Cyclades, Greece
Best time to sail: Late May–early July or September (warm, dry, and breezy but not too windy)
Our favourite towns to visit:
Mykonos has a great party scene, beach clubs and nightlife. It’s also got an elegant marina, charming streets and waterfront restaurants.
Paros has charming whitewashed towns and sheltered coves. (25 nm apart)
Our top picks for secret beaches: Fokos Beach in Mykonos is often overlooked.
Krios Beach near Parikia is quiet and protected.
Where to eat/drink: Kiki’s Tavern in Mykonos (there’s no electricity, but there IS unforgettable grilled meats);
Soso in Naoussa on Paros, for local twists on Greek classics.
Why we think the Greek Cyclades are so special: Reliable Meltemi winds make for thrilling sailing, so it’s perfect for those who like covering ground and anchoring at new islands every day of their holiday.
2. The Dalmatian Coast, Croatia.
(Tried and tested on many an LSS flotilla!)
Best time to sail: June–September (hot, dry, moderate winds)
Our favourite towns to visit: Hvar for its party scene and marina nightlife;
Korčula for medieval streets and relaxed charm.
Our top picks for secret beaches: Stiniva Cove on Vis Island which is only accessible by boat;
Pupnatska Luka near Korčula is a quiet, turquoise GEM!
Where to eat/drink: Carpe Diem Beach Club (Hvar);
Konoba Mate in Pupnat for incredible slow-cooked local specialties.
Why we think the Dalmatian Coast is so special: Dozens of short hops between islands with rich history, nightlife, and unspoiled nature. We have such great memories of flotillas in the region, we’ve spent 4 weeks in the area and we discover stunning new places and incredible experiences every time.
3. The French Riviera (Côte d’Azur), France
Best time to sail: Late May–June or September–early October (warm weather, fewer tourists, light-to-moderate winds)
Some great towns to visit: Start in Nice, with its excellent marina and easy access to cultural gems and Provençal cuisine.
Then head to Saint-Tropez, not just for its glamorous nightlife but also for its quaint old town and protected port, ideal for a chic stopover.
In the market for a visit to a secret beach? Sail to Plage de la Mala in Cap d’Ail—only reachable by sea or a steep walk, it’s stunning and sheltered.
Île Sainte-Marguerite just off Cannes, has pine-scented walking trails and rocky inlets perfect for secluded swims.
Where to eat/drink: Hard to narrow it down, but Le Club 55 in Ramatuelle is a legendary beachside spot for lunch with a view (get there by tender).
Or for more local charm, try La Petite Maison in Nice—fresh Mediterranean flavors in a buzzing, upscale setting.
Why the French Riviera is a special sailing region: The Riviera is all about style, ease, and indulgence. You can sail short distances between world-famous destinations—Antibes, Cannes, Villefranche-sur-Mer. It’s not about high winds or crossing oceans, but refined, elegant coastal sailing. Perfect for foodies, romantics, and those who enjoy aperitifs on deck at golden hour.
Plus, it’s home to the St. Tropez Regatta every September which is a once in a lifetime experience of sailing, partying, rose, tanned sailors and maxi yachts! Join us for the Les Voiles this September if that sounds like your idea of a good time!
4. The North Ionian Islands
(Greece, but off the mainstream radar)
Best time to sail: May–June or September–October (calm seas, warm weather, fewer tourists)
Towns to visit: Parga on the mainland is a pastel-colored Venetian town with a scenic anchorage and charming seafront tavernas.
Gaios on Paxos Island has a protected harbor, friendly locals, and a postcard-worthy setting with olive groves and colorful houses.
Secret beaches: Voutoumi Beach on Antipaxos is a turquoise haven that rivals the Caribbean.
On Paxos, Marmari and Kipiadi beaches are accessible mainly by boat and blissfully quiet.
Where to eat/drink: Try Taverna Stefanos in Gaios for fresh-caught fish and Paxos wine.
In Parga, Sakis Taverna serves rustic Greek dishes with a view.
Why it’s special: The northern Ionian is quieter than the southern islands like Lefkada and Kefalonia. It’s ideal for beginner to intermediate sailors thanks to flat waters and light breezes. Expect plenty of lazy anchorages, mellow coastal hops, and hidden bays that feel worlds away from the usual charter routes.
5. The Amalfi Coast, Italy
Best time to sail: May–June or September (mild temperatures, fewer crowds)
Towns to visit: Positano’s vertical cliffs and pastel buildings are unforgettable;
Amalfi itself has a historic marina and buzzing piazza life.
Secret beaches: Fiordo di Furore, a hidden beach under a dramatic bridge;
Cavallo Morto near Maiori is reachable only by sea.
Where to eat/drink: La Tagliata (Positano) for family-style feasts;
Lo Smeraldino (Amalfi) for seafood by the docks.
Why it’s special: Great for food lovers and scenery chasers, not a place for long crossings but perfect for soaking up la dolce vita.
Want to learn to sail or take your skills further in any of these dreamy locations? LSS is also a charter business with access to 1,000’s of yachts across the globe. And with thousands of miles of sailing fun behind us, we’re perfectly placed to help you create your perfect itinerary. Contact us and we can help chart your course!